HK1234623B - Furniture member and power recline and lift mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Furniture components and powered tilt and lift mechanisms

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14/475,175, filed September 2, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/611,873, filed September 12, 2012. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to furniture components and powered tilt and lift mechanisms.

Background Art

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

Power lift chairs can provide a motor-operated transition from an occupant's seated position to a raised position, which provides the occupant with a transition of about 50% or more from a seated position to a standing position. This feature is particularly beneficial for occupants who have difficulty standing up directly from a fully seated position.

Known power lift chair designs may hinder an occupant's ability to place their feet near their center of gravity, requiring the occupant to exert greater than necessary leg force to stand up even when the chair is in the fully raised position. Furthermore, known power lift chair designs have complex operating mechanisms that are expensive to manufacture and, therefore, expensive to purchase. Furthermore, known power lift chair designs do not provide multiple seat positions or a range of motion to maximize occupant choice of seating and/or footrest positions.

Summary of the Invention

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a furniture component that may include a frame assembly, a motor, a sliding member, a first rod, a shaft, first and second leg members, and a second rod. The frame assembly may include a chair portion movable relative to a base between a nominal position, a tilted position, and a raised position. The motor may be attached to the base. The sliding member may be connected to the motor and displaceable relative to the base in a first direction and a second direction upon selective operation of the motor. A first rod may be connected to the sliding member and the chair portion. The first rod may move the chair portion between the nominal position, the tilted position, and the raised position in response to operation of the motor. The shaft may be rotatably mounted to the base. The first and second leg members may be attached to respective first and second ends of the shaft. Each of the first and second leg members may include a front leg and a rear leg. A second rod may be connected to the chair portion and slidably connected to the shaft. The second rod may rotate the shaft in a first direction in response to movement of the chair portion to the tilted position. The second rod may rotate the shaft in a second direction in response to movement of the chair portion to the raised position.

In some embodiments, the front feet of the first and second leg members extend through the base in an inclined position so that the rear of the base and the front feet of the first and second leg members support the weight of the furniture member and the front of the base is spaced apart from the ground on which the furniture member rests.

In some embodiments, the rear feet of the first and second leg members extend through the base in the raised position so that the front of the base and the rear feet of the first and second leg members support the weight of the furniture member and the rear of the base is spaced from the ground.

In some embodiments, the first leg member and the second leg member are generally U-shaped members.

In some embodiments, the base includes a plurality of apertures through which the front and rear feet of the first and second leg members can extend.

In some embodiments, the furniture component includes a footrest mechanism having a footrest link and a footrest member that are movable between an extended position and a retracted position independent of movement of the first rod and the second rod.

In some embodiments, the footrest mechanism includes a footrest motor drivingly engaged with the footrest link.

In some embodiments, the shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing housing fixedly mounted to the base.

In some embodiments, the first and second leg members are fixedly attached to the shaft by first and second brackets, respectively.

In some embodiments, the second rod includes an elongated slot that slidably receives a peg fixedly attached to the shaft.

In some embodiments, the slider connected to the first rod has a longer range of motion than the elongated slot, so that the peg slides along the elongated slot of the second rod only within a portion of the slider's range of motion.

In some embodiments, the slider continues to move in a rearward direction beyond a position corresponding to initial contact between the peg and the front end of the slot, thereby causing the shaft and the first and second leg members to rotate relative to the base in a first rotational direction.

In some embodiments, continued movement of the slider in a forward direction past a position corresponding to initial contact between the peg and the rear end of the slot causes the shaft and the first and second leg members to rotate relative to the base in a second rotational direction.

In some embodiments, the furniture piece may be a chair.

In some embodiments, the furniture component may be a sofa or a portion of a sofa.

In some embodiments, when the chair portion moves from the nominal position to the raised position, the angle between the backrest of the chair portion and the seat bottom of the chair portion increases by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may be, for example, approximately five degrees.

In another form, the present invention provides a furniture component that may include a base member, a chair frame, a mechanism, and a first leg member and a second leg member. The base member may include a front end and a rear end. The chair frame may be movable relative to the base member between a nominal position, a tilted position, and a raised position. The mechanism may move the chair frame relative to the base member between the nominal, tilted, and raised positions. The first leg member and the second leg member each have a front foot and a rear foot movably mounted to the base member such that the front foot extends through the base member in the tilted position and the rear foot extends through the base member in the raised position. The front and rear ends of the base may support the weight of the furniture component in the nominal position. The front and rear ends may support weight in the tilted position. The rear feet and the front end may support weight in the raised position.

In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a motor attached to the base member, a sliding member connected to the motor, and a first rod connected to the sliding member and the chair frame.

In some embodiments, the furniture component includes a shaft rotatably mounted to the base member; and a second rod connected to the chair frame and slidably connected to the shaft. The second rod can rotate the shaft in a first direction in response to the chair frame moving to the reclined position and in a second direction in response to the chair frame moving to the raised position.

In some embodiments, the second rod includes an elongated slot that slidably receives a peg fixedly attached to the shaft.

In some embodiments, the slider connected to the first rod has a longer range of motion than the elongated slot, so that the peg slides along the elongated slot of the second rod within only a portion of the range of motion of the sliding member.

In some embodiments, the sliding member continues to move in a rearward direction beyond a position corresponding to initial contact between the peg and the front end of the slot, thereby causing the shaft and the first and second leg members to rotate relative to the base member in a first rotational direction.

In some embodiments, the sliding member continues to move in a forward direction beyond a position corresponding to initial contact between the peg and the rear end of the slot, thereby causing the shaft and the first and second leg members to rotate relative to the base member in a second rotational direction.

In some embodiments, the shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing housing fixedly mounted to the base member.

In some embodiments, the first and second leg members are fixedly attached to the shaft by first and second brackets, respectively.

In some embodiments, the base member includes a plurality of apertures through which the front and rear feet of the first and second leg members can extend.

In some embodiments, the furniture member includes a footrest mechanism including a footrest link and a footrest member movable between an extended position and a retracted position independent of movement of the first leg member and the second leg member.

In some embodiments, the footrest mechanism includes a footrest motor drivingly engaged with the footrest link.

In some embodiments, the first leg member and the second leg member are generally U-shaped members.

In some embodiments, the furniture piece may be a chair.

In some embodiments, the furniture component may be a sofa or a portion of a sofa.

In some embodiments, when the chair frame moves from the nominal position to the raised position, the angle between the chair frame backrest and the chair frame seat bottom increases by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may be, for example, approximately five degrees.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG1 is a front right perspective view of a furniture component having a powered lift mechanism shown in a nominal seating position;

FIG2 is the furniture component of FIG1 shown in a maximum raised position;

FIG3 is a front left perspective view of the base of the furniture component of FIG1 showing the powered lift mechanism in exploded view;

FIG4 is a front left perspective view of FIG3 showing the assembled power lifting mechanism;

FIG5 is a front right perspective exploded assembly view of the chair portion of the furniture component of FIG1;

FIG6 is a right rear perspective view of the base and chair portion of FIG4 and FIG5 during assembly;

FIG7 is a front right perspective view of the furniture component of FIG1 in a forward raised position;

FIG8 is a front right perspective view of the furniture component of FIG1 in a rearwardly tilted position with the seat back rotated;

FIG9 is a front right perspective view of the furniture member of FIG1 in the footrest extended position;

FIG10 is a front right perspective view of the furniture component of FIG1 with the seat back rotated and the footrest extended;

11 is a front right perspective view of the furniture member of FIG. 9 in the footrest extended position and further in the forward raised position;

FIG12 is a top view of the furniture component of FIG1;

FIG13 is a cross-sectional right side elevational view taken at section 13 of FIG12;

FIG14 is a cross-sectional rear elevational view taken at section 14 of FIG12;

FIG15 is a left side elevational view of the furniture component of FIG2;

FIG16 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the furniture component of FIG2 taken at section 16 of FIG12;

FIG17 is a partial front left perspective view of the furniture component of FIG2;

FIG18 is a cross-sectional right side elevational view of the furniture component of FIG13, further illustrating the chair portion in a rearwardly tilted position;

FIG19 is a cross-sectional right side elevational view of the furniture component of FIG13, further illustrating the chair portion with the footrest in the fully extended position;

FIG20 is a cross-sectional right side elevational view of the furniture component of FIG18, further illustrating the chair portion with the backrest in the fully reclined position;

FIG21 is a cross-sectional right side elevational view of the furniture component of FIG20, further illustrating the chair portion with the footrest in the fully extended position;

FIG22 is a right side elevational view of another furniture component in the nominal position (with the right armrest removed);

FIG23 is a perspective view of the mechanism of the furniture component of FIG22 in the nominal position;

FIG24 is a right side elevational view of the furniture component in the nominal position with the footrest mechanism in the extended position;

FIG25 is a right side elevational view of the furniture component in a fully reclined position;

FIG26 is a perspective view of the mechanism in a fully tilted position;

FIG27 is a right side elevational view of the furniture component in the fully raised position;

Figure 28 is a perspective view of the mechanism in the fully raised position; and

29 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of a leg member of the furniture member of FIGS. 22-28.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 , a lift chair 10 includes a rotatable frame assembly 12 having a seatback assembly 14 rotatably connected to the frame assembly 12 and a footrest member 16 connected to the frame assembly 12 and extendable/retractable relative to the frame assembly 12. The frame assembly 12 includes a base 18 positioned within a seat portion 20 and rotatable relative to the seat portion 20. For clarity, seat support springs, cushioning, or upholstery commonly used in lift chairs as known in the art are not shown in the lift chair 10. The lift chair 10 is supported on a floor or flat surface using a square or rectangular base platform 22, which is included in the base 18 according to some embodiments. The seat portion 20 further includes a first armrest portion 24 (corresponding to the right side of a seated occupant) and a second armrest portion 26 (corresponding to the left side of a seated occupant). The lift chair 10 also includes several components that are movably displaced using a mechanism 28. The mechanism 28 controls, independently or in combination, forward and rearward rotational displacement of the seatback assembly 14; extension/retraction of the footrest member 16 between the stowed position shown and the outward extended position, as shown and described with reference to Figures 9 and 10; and upward and downward rotation of the chair portion 20 relative to the base 18 to provide multiple occupant seating positions and a fully raised position.

2 and again with reference to FIG1 , the lift chair 10 is shown rotated upward/forward from the nominal seating position of FIG1 to a maximum lift position for a user to enter or exit the lift chair 10. In order to rotate the lift chair 10 from the nominal seating position, defined as a position with the seat back fully upright and the footrests retracted (shown in FIG1 ), to a raised position (shown in FIG2 ), the lift mechanism portion 30 of the mechanism 28 is actuated by the occupant to lift and rotate the chair portion 20 relative to a frame rotation axis 32 that rotates the chair portion 20 in a lift rotation direction “A”. In the fully raised position shown, the seat back assembly 14 is positioned in a fully upright position and the footrest member 16 is positioned in its retracted position. The mechanism 28 further includes a footrest mechanism portion 34, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG5 , and which does not operate during rotation of the chair portion 20 to the fully raised position. As can also be seen in FIG. 2 , the seat portion 20 further includes a first inner armrest member 36 positioned to the right hand side of the occupant and a second inner armrest member 38 positioned to the left hand side of the occupant, which are nested between the first base frame member 40 and the second base frame member 42 .

Referring to FIG3 and again to FIG1 , the components of the lift mechanism portion 30 of the mechanism 28 are positioned in a cavity defined between a first base frame member 40 and a second base frame member 42. The first base frame member 40 is positioned proximate a first base platform edge 44 of the base platform 22, and the second base frame member 42 is positioned proximate a second base platform edge 46 of the base platform 22. The first base frame member 40 and the second base frame member 42 are parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the base platform 22. A third base frame member 48, which defines a rearward-facing wall of the base 18, is positioned proximate a third base platform edge 50 of the base platform 22. A plurality of feet 51 are adjustably connected to the base platform 22 at a plurality of foot locating apertures 52, respectively. The feet 51 ensure contact and equal support of the four corners of the base platform 22.

The first and second base frame members 40 and 42 are each provided with an intersection angle 53, and the frame member front edges 54 of the first and second base frame members 40 and 42 intersect the base platform 22, respectively. The intersection angle 53 of each of the first and second base frame members 40 and 42 is positioned spaced apart and rearward relative to the base platform front edge 55 of the base platform 22. According to several aspects, the first base frame member 40 includes a first receiving surface 56 parallel to the upper surface 58 of the base platform 22. The first receiving surface 56 is positioned proximate to the frame member front edge 54 of the first base frame member 40. A second receiving surface 60 is similarly provided on the second base frame member 42, parallel to the upper surface 58 and coplanar with the first receiving surface 56. A generally U-shaped first receiving slot 62 is formed downwardly relative to the first receiving slot 56. The first receiving slot 62 receives a first U-shaped journal 64, which is dimensioned to be slidably received in the first receiving slot 62 in a downward direction. The first U-shaped journal 64 integrally includes a first connecting member 66, which can be integrally assembled as a unitary molded plastic component. Once the first U-shaped journal 64 is received in the first receiving groove 62, a connecting member fastener 68 is inserted from the outside or surface of the first base frame member 40 and received in a threaded hole in the first connecting member 66 to secure the position of the first connecting member 66.

The second U-shaped journal 70 of the second connecting member 72, which is a duplicate or mirror image of the first connecting member 66, is similarly positioned in a U-shaped second receiving slot formed in the second receiving surface 60 of the second base frame member 42. The second connecting member 72 is shown in its installed position. In the installed position of the first connecting member 66 and the second connecting member 72, the upper edges 74 of the two members are positioned to be substantially flush with or slightly above the first receiving surface 56 and the second receiving surface 60. In addition, the upper edges 74 of the first U-shaped journal 64 and the second U-shaped journal 70 can partially extend into the U-shaped slot defined by the U-shaped journals 64, 70. The purpose of this extension will be better described with reference to FIG6.

The frame member front edges 54 of the first base frame member 40 and the second base frame member 42 define an acute angle α with the plane defined by the upper surface 58 of the base platform 22. The purpose of angle α will be better described with reference to Figure 16. It should be noted that the intersection angle 53 is recessed rearwardly relative to the base platform front edge 55 to create angle α.

3 and again with reference to FIG1 , the lift mechanism portion 30 includes a lift motor 76, which is a direct current (DC) motor in several aspects. A mounting bracket 78 is connected to the forward face 80 of the third base frame member 48 and is also connected to the upper surface 58 of the base platform 22. The mounting bracket 78 includes coaxial through-holes 82, only one of which is clearly visible in FIG3 , which slidably receive an assembly mounting pin 84 to connect an assembly including the lift motor 76 and a gearbox housing 86 directly connected to the lift motor 76, the gearbox housing including an internal gear (not shown) that drives and is directly connected to an internal worm gear (not shown) of a worm gear drive assembly 88. It should be noted that the description of a "worm gear drive" device or gear in this disclosure is not limiting and may be replaced by other drive devices or gears known in the art.

Operation of the lift motor 76 slidably displaces a worm gear slider 90, which is slidably disposed on the worm gear drive assembly 88 and displaced in the slider lift direction "B" or the opposite slider return direction "C" during worm gear operation of the worm gear drive assembly 88. An assembly end 92 of the worm gear drive assembly 88 is connected to the upper surface 58 of the base platform 22 using an assembly end bracket 94. Positioned on opposite sides of the worm gear drive assembly 88 are triangular-shaped first and second guide members 96, 98, respectively. According to several aspects, the first and second guide members 96, 98 are molded plastic components; however, alternative materials may be used. The first guide member 96 includes a first elongated slot 100, and the second guide member 98 includes a second elongated slot 102, both positioned proximate upper walls or edges 103, 103' of the first and second guide members 96, 98. In the installed position of the first and second guide members 96, 98, the elongated slots 100, 102 are oriented in axial alignment substantially parallel to one another. Each of the first and second guide members 96, 98 also includes a low-profile end 104 toward the front or forward-facing portion of the base 18, and a high-profile end 106 toward the rearward-facing end of the third base frame member 48 or the base 18. Thus, the elongated slots 100, 102 have a continuous rear-to-front downward pitch or angle relative to the upper surface 58. Each of the first and second guide members 96, 98 also includes a planar support surface 108 that rests on and is secured to the upper surface 58 of the base platform 22.

The lift mechanism portion 30 further includes a rectangular, hollow metal lift rod or tube 110. The lift rod 110 may be a generally L-shaped rod comprising a substantially straight first tube portion 112 and a second tube portion 114 oriented at an angle relative to the first tube portion 112. The lift rod 110 is connected to the worm gear slider 90 and is thus displaced during its sliding motion. The combined weight of a substantial portion of the chair portion 20 plus a substantial portion of the occupant's weight is distributed through the lift rod 110 to the worm gear slider 90 and, thereby, to the first and second guide members 96, 98, so that no bending occurs within the length of the worm gear drive assembly 88.

To provide a sliding connection between the worm gear slider 90 and the first and second guide members 96 and 98, two shoulder bolts are provided. The first shoulder bolt 116 includes a bolt head 118, a bolt sleeve 120, and a bolt shank 122 opposite the bolt head 118. During assembly, the bolt shank 122 and bolt sleeve 120 of the first shoulder bolt 116 are positioned through the elongated slot 100 of the first guide member 96. The pipe connection end 124 of the lifting rod 110 is positioned between the first inner surface 126 of the first guide member 96 and the first sliding surface 128 of the worm gear slider 90. After the bolt shank 122 and bolt sleeve 120 of the first shoulder bolt 116 extend through the elongated slot 100, they are slidably positioned through a pipe through-hole 130 formed in the pipe connection end 124. The bolt shank 122 extends out of the pipe through-hole 130 and threadedly engages with a first threaded hole 132 formed in the first sliding surface 128 of the worm gear slider 90. The various portions of the bolt sleeve 120 are slidably received in the elongated slot 100 and rotatably received in the tube through-hole 130, thereby permitting sliding movement of the worm gear slider 90 and rotation of the lifting rod 110 relative to the central axis of the first shoulder bolt 116. Therefore, the sliding contact of the first shoulder bolt 116 with the wall of the first elongated slot 100 distributes half of the weight received by the worm gear slider 90 to the first guide member 96 and the base platform 22 at any sliding position of the worm gear slider 90.

The lifting rod 110 is also connected to the second guide member 98 in the following manner. An offset flange 134 is securely engaged to the tube connection end 124 using a bracket fastener 136. The offset flange 134 is integrally connected to a connecting bracket 138. The connecting bracket 138 is substantially planar so that the connecting bracket 138 can rest against a plurality of ribs defining a sliding surface 140 of the worm gear slider 90. A transverse flange 142 is oriented transversely relative to the connecting bracket 138 and is integrally connected to the connecting bracket 138 and contacts a second sliding surface 144 of the worm gear slider 90, which is parallel to the first sliding surface 128 but faces in the opposite direction. The transverse flange hole 146 of the transverse flange 142 is positioned proximate to a bushing 148 disposed between the transverse flange 142 and a second inner surface 150 of the second guide member 98. The bushing 148 has a length that generally corresponds to the width of the lifting rod 110, thereby positioning the first guide member 96 and the second guide member 98 substantially equidistant from and spaced relative to the worm gear drive assembly 88. The bushing hole 152 of the bushing 148 is coaxially aligned with the transverse flange hole 146, and similar to the first shoulder bolt 116, the second shoulder bolt 154 is assembled by extending it through the elongated slot 102, the bushing hole 152, the transverse flange hole 146, and a threaded hole (not visible in this view) formed in the second sliding surface 144 of the worm gear slider 90. Thus, the second shoulder bolt 154 similarly provides sliding support for half of the weight distributed through the worm gear slider 90 to the second guide member 98 and, thereby, to the base platform 22.

Referring to FIG. 4 and again to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3 , the base 18 is shown after the lift mechanism portion 30 is assembled. In the assembled state shown, the worm gear slider 90 is positioned in a neutral or nominal position, which provides a basic seating position for an occupant of the chair lift 10. Subsequent operation of the lift motor 76, the gear housing 86, and the worm gear drive assembly 88 causes the worm gear slider 90 to be slidably disposed in a slider lift direction "B" to displace the lift rod 110 rearwardly and upwardly to achieve the fully raised position of the chair lift shown in FIG. The occupant's weight, transferred to the worm gear slider 90 via the lift rod 110, is distributed to the first and second guide members 96, 98 via the first and second shoulder bolts 116, 154. In the nominal position of the worm gear slider 90, the first and second shoulder bolts 116, 154 are positioned approximately two-thirds of the way along the elongated slots 100, 102, as viewed forwardly relative to the lift motor 76. Furthermore, in the nominal position of the worm gear slider 90, the connecting bracket 138 lies substantially flat relative to the worm gear slider 90. In the assembled position of the base 18, the first U-shaped journal 64 and the second U-shaped journal 70 are fixed in place, and the base 18 is thus ready to receive the chair portion 20, as will be described with reference to FIG.

5 and again with reference to FIG1 , the chair portion 20 is assembled as follows. The first chair frame member 156 and the second chair frame member 158 are positioned substantially parallel to each other. A chair frame structural tube 160 is secured to the rear end of each of the first chair frame member 156 and the second chair frame member 158 to provide a predetermined frame spacing. A chair frame front connecting member 162 connects the front ends of the first chair frame member 156 and the second chair frame member 158. The footrest mechanism portion 34 is positioned between and supported by the chair frame structural tube 160 and the chair frame front connecting member 162.

The footrest mechanism portion 34 includes a footrest drive motor 164, which is a DC motor in several aspects. The footrest drive motor 164 is connected to a drive coupling member 166, which is used to rotate a drive rod 168 via a drive rod coupling member 170. A support shaft 172 is positioned parallel to the drive rod 168 and includes a portion extending outwardly through holes 173, 173' formed in each of the first and second chair frame members 156, 158. The extension portion will be described in more detail with reference to FIG6 . A first telescoping linkage 174 and a second telescoping linkage 176 are each connected to the drive rod 168 and the support shaft 172. Operation of the footrest drive motor 164 causes the drive rod coupling member 170 to extend, which axially rotates the drive rod 168. Rotation of the drive rod 168 serves to extend or retract the first and second telescoping linkages 174, 176. The first telescoping linkage 174 extends through a first gap opening 178 formed in the chair frame front coupling member 162. Similarly, the second telescoping linkage 176 extends through the second clearance opening 180 of the chair frame front connecting member 162. Each of the first telescoping linkage 174 and the second telescoping linkage 176 is connected to the footrest member 16. Thus, extension or retraction of the first telescoping linkage 174 and the second telescoping linkage 176 causes the footrest member 16 to extend or retract.

5 , the chair portion 20 further includes a seat frame 182 that is partially supported on a first swing assembly 184 and a second swing assembly 186 that are rotatably connected to a tube assembly 188. A first rear swing assembly 190 is also connected to the tube assembly 188, and a first back support assembly 192 is connected to the first rear swing assembly 190. Similarly, a second rear swing assembly 194 is also connected to the tube assembly 188, and a second back support assembly 196 is connected to the second rear swing assembly 194. The first back support assembly 192 and the second back support assembly 196 are used to releasably connect the seat back assembly 14. Rotation of the tube assembly 188 relative to the first and second rear swing assemblies 190, 194 causes the first and second swing assemblies 184, 186 to move, which in turn causes the seat frame 182 to move forward or rearward.

6 and again with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 , the frame assembly 12 is assembled by inserting the assembled chair portion 20 into the assembled base 18 by loading the chair portion 20 in a downward mounting direction “D” until the first and second shaft extensions 198 , 199 (shown in phantom in FIG. 6 ) which are integral extensions of the support shaft 172 are received in separate first and second U-shaped journals 64 , 70 (only the first U-shaped journal 64 being clearly visible in this view). The first and second shaft extensions 198, 199 are snapped into position within the first and second U-shaped journals 64, 70 by pressing them downwardly into the upper edges 74 that partially extend into the first and second U-shaped journals 64, 70, wherein the diameters of the first and second U-shaped journals 64, 70 are smaller than the diameters of the first and second extensions 198, 199. The upper edges 74 then prevent the shaft extensions 198, 199 from being removed. The material selection for the U-shaped journals 64, 70 provides a low coefficient of friction and, therefore, may be a polyamide or polytetrafluoroethylene material or similar polymeric material to minimize resistance to rotation of the seat portion 20 relative to the base portion 18.

To assemble the chair portion 20 to the base 18, after the chair portion 20 is received within the base 18, the first and second shaft extensions 198, 199 are independently and sequentially (in any order) snapped into the independent first and second U-shaped journals 64, 70. The second tube portion 114 of the lift rod 110 is then positioned within a U-shaped clamp 200 secured to the tube assembly 188. The bore of the U-shaped clamp's insulating bushing 202 receives a tube mounting pin 204, which also extends through a second tube bore 206 formed in the second tube portion 114, allowing the second tube portion 114 to be rotatably connected to the U-shaped clamp 200. The tube mounting pin 204 can be secured in position using a standard hairpin clip (not shown) after insertion. While additional structural members may be used to connect the first and second chair frame members 156, 158, the third base frame member 48 of the base 18 essentially serves as a rear wall when the chair portion 20 is received in the base 18. The motor control remote controller 208 is then connected to the mechanism 28 for selective operation by the passenger to operate one or both of the lifting mechanism portion 30 and/or the footrest mechanism portion 34. At this time, the footrest member 16 can be freely extended forward by the operation of the footrest mechanism portion 34.

Referring to FIG7 and again to FIG1 , the lift chair 10 can be moved from the nominal position shown in FIG1 to the forward raised position shown in FIG7 by operation of the lift mechanism portion 30, which causes the chair portion 20 to rotate forward relative to the frame rotation axis 32. Each of the first and second armrest portions 24, 26 includes an armrest outer frame 210 having a first frame lower surface 212 at the rear end of the armrest outer frame 210 and a second frame lower surface 214 positioned at the front end of the armrest outer frame 210. The first frame lower surface 212 is oriented at an angle relative to the second frame lower surface 214. When the chair portion 20 is rotated in the lift rotation direction "A," the second frame lower surface 214 is aligned parallel to the base platform 22, and the first frame lower surface 212 is elevated relative to the base platform third edge 50. In this forward raised position, the seatback assembly 14 is in its upright position, and the footrest member 16 is in its stowed position.

Referring to FIG8 and again to FIG1 and FIG7 , the lift chair 10 can also be positioned in a rearwardly tilted position by operation of the lift mechanism portion 30. When the chair portion 20 is rotated in the chair downwardly rotational direction "E" relative to the frame rotation axis 32, the first frame lower surface 212 is aligned parallel to the base platform 22, and the second frame lower surface 214 is raised relative to the base platform 22. Further operation of the lift mechanism portion 30 rotates the seatback assembly 14 in the seatback tilt direction "F," which directly results in forward displacement of the seat frame 182 in the seatframe extension direction "G." This forward displacement of the seat frame 182 is caused by the rotation/displacement of the tube assembly 188 during operation of the lift mechanism portion 30. At this point, the footrest member 16 remains in its stowed position. Therefore, operation of the footrest mechanism portion 34 is not required to achieve the illustrated rearwardly tilted and seatback assembly positions.

9 and again with reference to FIG1, FIG3 and FIG7 to FIG8, in the nominal position of the lift chair shown in FIG1, wherein the seat back assembly 14 is in a fully upright position, the footrest member 16 can be extended by operation of the footrest mechanism portion 34. Operation of the footrest drive motor 164 causes the first telescoping linkage 174 and the second telescoping linkage 176 to extend (for clarity, only the first telescoping linkage 174 is shown). The footrest member 16 can be extended without repositioning the seat frame 182.

9 , with the footrest member 16 in the fully extended position, additional operation of the lift mechanism portion 30 can be used to rotate the seatback assembly 14 in the seatback tilt direction “F” from the fully upright position to the seatback tilt position. In this position, the seatback assembly 14 is fully rotated in the seatback tilt direction “F,” the seat frame 182 is extended forward, and the footrest member 16 is fully extended.

7 , with the lift chair 10 already positioned in the forward-lift position, the footrest member 16 can be extended by operation of the footrest mechanism portion 34 before or after the chair portion 20 is rotated in the lift rotation direction “A” to the forward-lift position. Again, in the forward-lift position, the second frame lower surface 214 of the armrest outer frame 210 is oriented substantially parallel to or in direct contact with the base platform 22, and the first frame lower surface 212 is elevated relative to the base platform 22. From this position, the chair portion 20 can be returned to the nominal position shown in FIG. 1 before the footrest member 16 is returned to the stowed position, or the footrest member 16 can be returned to the stowed position before the chair portion 20 is returned to the nominal position.

1 and 3 , in the chair lift nominal position, an occupant seated on the seat frame 182 substantially distributes his or her weight onto the worm gear slider 90, and thereby onto the first guide member 96 and the second guide member 98. During operation of the lift mechanism portion 30 in either the slider raising direction “B” or the slider returning direction “C,” the occupant's weight is substantially maintained supported by the worm gear slider 90 by distributing the weight via the lift rod 110.

1 , 3 , 5 , and 12 , in the lift chair's nominal position, with the seatback assembly 14 in the fully upright position and the footrest member 16 in the stowed position, the chair frame rear wall/connecting member 216 of the chair portion 20 extends below and rearward of the third base frame member 48. The frame member lower end 218 of the chair frame rear connecting member 216 is positioned generally below the upper end 220 of the third base frame member 48. Furthermore, as previously described, in the nominal lift chair seating position, the first shoulder bolt 116 (and the second shoulder bolt 154, not visible in this view) are positioned substantially two-thirds of the way along the length of the elongated slot 100, oriented from rear to front relative to the elongated slot 100. The chair portion defines a four-sided wood structure including: a first chair frame member 156 and a second chair frame member 158 oriented parallel to one another; a rear wall member 216 connected to and oriented perpendicular to the first chair frame member 156 and the second chair frame member 158; and a front wall member 162 connected to and oriented perpendicular to the first chair frame member 156 and the second chair frame member 158. The base 18 also defines a four-sided wood structure including: a first base frame member 40 and a second base frame member 42 oriented parallel to one another; a rectangular base platform 22 oriented perpendicular to the first base frame member 40 and the second base frame member 42; and a third base frame member 48 defining a rear-facing wall of the base 18.

14 and again with reference to FIG13 , a first portion of the weight of an occupant of the chairlift 10 is partially distributed to the first base frame member 40 and the second base frame member 42 via the first and second shaft extensions 198 and 199 of the support shaft 172. As described above, a second portion of the occupant's weight is distributed to the components of the lift mechanism portion 30 and thereby to the base platform 22 via the tube assembly 188 and the lift rod 110. As shown in FIG14 , the first base frame member 40 is positioned in the cavity between the first inner armrest member 36 and the outer armrest frame 210 of the first armrest portion 24. Similarly, the second base frame member 42 is positioned in the cavity between the second inner armrest member 38 of the second armrest portion 26 and the outer armrest frame 211 (similar to the outer armrest frame 210).

2 , when the chair lift 10 is positioned in the maximum lift position by rotating the chair portion 20 about the frame rotation axis 32, there is still clearance between the lower end 222 of the footrest member 16 and the base platform 22. It should again be noted that the fully raised position of the chair lift 10 is only achieved when the footrest member 16 is in the fully stowed position.

Referring to FIG16 and again to FIG3 and FIG15 , the orientation of the frame member front edges 54 of the first and second base frame members 40, 42 at an angle α and the rearward positioning of the intersection angle 53 relative to the frame member front edges 54 provide additional clearance to move the occupant's feet rearwardly closer to the occupant's center of gravity, thereby assisting the occupant in standing up from the fully raised position of the chairlift. In the fully raised position, the second shoulder bolt 154 is positioned at the fully rearward end of the elongated slot 102 and can directly contact the rearward end wall 224 of the elongated slot 102. The first shoulder bolt 116 (not visible in this view) is similarly positioned relative to the first elongated slot 100. Thus, the lift rod 110 provides a maximum extended height at the clevis 200. At the maximum extended height, the vertical plane 226 defined at the front edge 228 of the seat frame 182 is oriented perpendicularly relative to the floor surface 230. The spacing between the vertical plane 226 and the base platform front edge 55 provides additional space for the occupant's feet to be positioned behind the vertical plane 226, thereby placing the feet closer to the occupant's center of gravity than in known chairlifts. This enhances the occupant's ability to stand up and exit the chairlift 10.

Referring to FIG. 17 and again to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , for clarity, most of the structural components of the chair lift 10 have been removed, thereby illustrating the right-hand components for operating the footrest member 16 and making the components of the lift mechanism portion 30 visible when the chair lift is in its maximum lift position. During rotation to the chair lift's fully raised position, the footrest drive motor 164 is not operated. Therefore, the drive rod connecting member 170, like the first telescoping linkage 174, is in its fully retracted position. When the worm gear slider 90 is displaced in the slider lift direction "B" rearward relative to an occupant of the chair lift 10, the connecting bracket 138 and the lift rod 110 rotate, causing the second tube portion 114 connected to the clevis 200 to provide maximum lift for the tube assembly 188. As the worm gear slider 90 moves in the slider lift direction "B," a shoulder bolt (such as the illustrated second shoulder bolt 154) slides within an elongated slot (such as the illustrated elongated slot 102) toward the high-height end 106 of the first and second guide members 96, 98. The rearward displacement of the worm gear slider 90 and the increased height of the shoulder bolt provide the maximum lift position. The maximum lift position is reached when the shoulder bolts 116, 154 reach the rear end wall 224 of each of the respective first and second elongated slots 100, 102. The chair lift 10 will remain in the fully raised position until the occupant re-operates the lift motor 76 to return the chair lift 10 to the nominal position shown in FIG. 1 or any other operating position described herein.

18 and again with reference to FIG8 , in the chair-tilt-back position provided by operation of the lift mechanism portion 30, the chair portion 20 is rotated in the chair-downward rotation direction "E" until the first frame lower surface 212 is parallel to or contacts the upper surface 58 of the base platform 22. The chair-tilt-back position places the seatback assembly 14 in its furthest upright position, resulting in the lift rod 110 being in its lowest position relative to the base platform 22. During the transition toward the chair-tilt-back position, the shoulder bolts 116, 154 are displaced in the first and second elongated slots 100, 102 in the sliding return direction "C," moving toward the slot front end wall 232. In the chair-tilt-back position, the frame member lower end 218 of the chair frame rear connecting member 216 is at its lowest height position and positioned proximate to the base platform 22.

19 and again with reference to FIG9 , in the chair upright footrest extended position of the chair lift 10, operation of the footrest mechanism portion 34 causes the extended drive shaft 234 to displace the drive rod connecting member 170 and thereby rotate the drive rod 168, wherein the drive shaft 234 is extended from the drive connecting member 166 by operation of the footrest drive motor 164. As previously described, rotation of the drive rod 168 extends the footrest member 16 to the fully extended position. The lift rod 110 and the shoulder bolts 116, 154 (such as the first shoulder bolt 116 shown) are in positions corresponding to the rated position of the chair lift 10 shown in FIG1 . Therefore, the only operation required to extend the footrest member 16 is to operate the footrest mechanism portion 34 by operating the footrest drive motor 164.

Referring to FIG. 20 and again to FIG. 18 , to change from the chair rearward tilt position shown in FIG. 18 to further achieve maximum rearward rotation of the seat back assembly 14 in the seat back tilt direction "F," the lift mechanism portion 30 is operated to displace the worm gear slider 90 in the slider return direction "C" toward a position further forward than that in the nominal position of the lift chair 10. Consequently, the worm gear slider 90 moves in the slider return direction "C" until the shoulder bolts 116, 154 (such as the illustrated first shoulder bolt 116) contact the slot front end walls 232 of the first and second elongated slots 100, 102. In this position, the lift rod 110 is raised compared to the chair rearward tilt position shown in FIG. 18 , which allows for full rearward rotation of the seat back assembly 14 and forward displacement of the seat frame 182 in the seat frame extension direction "G." Again, the maximum chair rearward tilt position is achieved when the footrest member 16 is in its fully stowed position.

21 and again with reference to FIG. 20 , in order to change from the maximum chair rearward tilt position shown in FIG. 20 to further include full extension of the footrest member 16 , when operation of the lifting mechanism portion 30 is completed, the footrest mechanism portion 34 can be further operated to extend the footrest member 16 to the fully extended position shown.

22 to 28, another furniture component 500 is provided. The structure and function of the furniture component 500 can be similar or identical to the structure and function of the lift chair 10 described above, except for any exceptions mentioned below. Therefore, similar features will not be described in detail.

Briefly, the furniture component 500 may include a base 518 and a seat portion 520 rotatably mounted to the base 518. A lift/tilt mechanism 530 is mounted to a base platform 522 of the base 518 and is operable to move the seat portion 520 and the base 518 between a nominal position ( FIG. 22 ), a “zero gravity tilt position” or fully tilted position ( FIG. 25 ), and a fully raised position ( FIG. 27 ). It should be understood that the lift/tilt mechanism 530 can move the base 518 and the seat portion 520 to any position between the tilted position and the raised position. A footrest mechanism 534 is coupled to the seat portion 520 and the footrest member 516 and is operable to move the footrest member 516 relative to the base 518 and the seat portion 520 between a retracted position ( FIG. 22 and FIG. 27 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 ). The footrest mechanism 534 can operate independently of the lift/tilt mechanism 530. The structure and function of the footrest mechanism 534 may be similar to or identical to the structure and function of the above-described footrest mechanism 34 and thus will not be described in detail.

The structure and function of the lift/tilt mechanism 530 can be similar to the structure and function of the mechanism 30 described above, except for any exceptions described herein and/or shown in the figures. Therefore, similar features will not be described in detail. Similar to the mechanism 30, the mechanism 530 may include a motor 76, a worm gear drive assembly 88, a first guide member 96, a second guide member 98, and a lift rod 110 (as shown in Figure 23). As described above, operation of the motor 76 causes the slider 90 to move along the worm gear drive assembly 88 and the first guide member 96 and the second guide member 98. As described above, the first end of the lift rod 110 is coupled to the slider 90, and the second end of the lift rod 110 is coupled to the tube assembly 188, which is in turn coupled to the chair portion 520.

As shown in FIG23 , the lift/tilt mechanism 530 further includes a shaft 540, a first leg 542, a second leg 544, and a generally L-shaped extension rod 546. The shaft 540 is rotatably supported by a pair of bearing blocks 548 fixedly mounted to the base platform 522. A first end 550 of the shaft 540 can be fixedly mounted to the first leg 542 via a bracket 552. A second end 554 of the shaft 540 can be fixedly mounted to the second leg 544 via another bracket 552. In this manner, the shaft and the first and second legs 542, 544 can rotate relative to the base 518 and the chair portion 520 (see FIGS. 22 , 25 , and 27 ).

The first leg 542 and the second leg 544 can be generally U-shaped members that each include a front foot 556 and a rear foot 558. The base platform 522 can include a plurality of apertures 560, each of which is generally aligned with a corresponding one of the feet 556, 558 of the first leg 542 and the second leg 544. As shown in Figures 23, 26, and 28, the apertures 560 allow the feet 556, 558 to extend through the base platform 522, as will be described in more detail below.

FIG29 depicts an alternative configuration of legs 542, 544. The configuration shown in FIG29 may be a molded plastic, metal, or composite component rather than a tubular metal, plastic, or composite component. The configuration shown in FIG29 is attached to the mechanism 530 in the same manner as the configuration shown in FIG22 to FIG28 and also functions in the same manner.

As shown in FIG23 , another bracket 562 is fixedly attached to the shaft 540 between the first end 550 and the first guide member 96 . The bracket 562 includes a first member 564 and a second member 566 that engage a peg or pin 568 . A first portion 570 of the extension rod 546 is disposed between the first and second members 564, 566 and includes an elongated slot 572 that slidably receives the pin 568, allowing the extension rod 546 to slide relative to the bracket 562 and the shaft 540 . As shown in FIG23 , the slot 572 can be formed in a block 574 fixedly mounted to the extension rod 546 , or the slot 572 can be formed in an integrally formed portion of the extension rod 546 . The length of the slot 572 is shorter than the length of the first and second slots 100, 102 of the first and second guide members 96, 98 . The second portion 576 of the extension rod 546 is pivotally coupled to the tube assembly 188 .

Continuing with reference to Figures 22 through 28, the operation of the mechanism 530 will be described in detail. As described above, the mechanism 530 moves the base 518 and the seat portion 520 between a nominal position (Figure 22), a tilted position (Figure 25), and a raised position (Figure 27). In the nominal position, the front 580 and rear 582 of the base platform 522 can contact the flat ground 584 on which the furniture component 500 rests and support the entire weight of the furniture component 500. In some configurations, the front feet 556 and rear feet 558 of the first and second legs 542, 544 can contact the ground 584 and support the entire weight of the furniture component 500 in the nominal position. In the tilted position, the front feet 556 of the first and second legs 542, 544 and the rear 582 of the base platform 522 can contact the ground 584 and support the entire weight of the furniture component 500. In the raised position, the rear feet 558 of the first and second legs 542 , 544 and the front portion 580 of the base platform 522 can contact the ground 584 and support the entire weight of the furniture component 500 .

When the mechanism 530 moves from the nominal position (Figures 22 and 23) to the tilted position (Figures 25 and 26), operation of the motor 76 in a first direction causes the slider 90 to move along the worm gear drive assembly 88 and the first and second guide members 96, 98 toward the forward-most position (as shown in Figure 26). Because the lift rod 110 is connected to the slider 90 and the chair portion 520, this movement of the slider 90 toward the forward-most position causes the chair portion 520 to move toward the tilted position. As the slider 90 moves toward the forward-most position, the pin 568 of the bracket 562 of the shaft 540 slides relative to the slot 572 of the extension rod 546 until the pin 568 contacts the rearmost end of the slot 572 (as shown in Figure 26). As the pin 568 slides relative to the slot 572, the shaft 540 remains stationary relative to the base platform 522. Once the pin 568 contacts the rearmost end of the slot 572, continued movement of the slider 90 toward the forward-most position causes the extension rod 546 to rotate the shaft 540 and the legs 542, 544 in a first rotational direction, causing the front feet 556 of the legs 542, 544 to protrude through corresponding holes 560 in the base platform 522 (as shown in Figures 25 and 26). As the front feet 556 extend further through the holes 560, the front portion 580 of the base platform 522 is lifted off the ground 584 to further tilt the furniture member 500 to the fully tilted position shown in Figure 25.

When the mechanism 530 moves from the nominal position (Figures 22 and 23) to the raised position (Figures 27 and 28), operation of the motor 76 in a second direction (opposite the first direction) causes the slider 90 to move along the worm gear drive assembly 88 and the first and second guide members 96, 98 toward the rearmost position (as shown in Figure 28). Because the lift rod 110 is connected to the slider 90 and the chair portion 520, this movement of the slider 90 toward the rearmost position causes the chair portion 520 to move toward the raised position. As the slider 90 moves toward the rearmost position, the pin 568 of the bracket 562 of the shaft 540 slides relative to the slot 572 of the extension rod 546 until the pin 568 contacts the forwardmost end of the slot 572 (as shown in Figure 28). As the pin 568 slides relative to the slot 572, the shaft 540 remains stationary relative to the base platform 522. Once the pin 568 contacts the forwardmost end of the slot 572, continued movement of the slider 90 toward the rearward position causes the extension rod 546 to rotate the shaft 540 and the legs 542, 544 in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) such that the rear feet 558 of the legs 542, 544 protrude through corresponding holes 560 in the base platform 522 (as shown in Figures 27 and 28). As the rear feet 558 extend further through the holes 560, the rear portion 582 of the base platform 522 is lifted off the ground 584 to further lift the furniture component 500 to the fully raised position shown in Figure 27.

Providing legs 542, 544 and moving them to the positions shown in Figures 25 and 27 provides an increased range of motion for the furniture member 500 relative to the chair 10 shown in Figures 1 to 21. Although the seat heights of the chair 10 and the furniture member 500 in the nominal position may be the same (e.g., 16.5 inches as shown in Figures 13 and 22), the additional range of motion provided by the mechanism 530 results in a significant increase in the footrest height and tilt angle of the furniture member 500 in the fully reclined position relative to the mechanism 30. A comparison of Figures 21 and 25 shows that, for the exemplary embodiments of the chair 10 and the furniture member 500, providing the mechanism 530 with rotatable legs 542, 544 increases the footrest height of the furniture member 500 by approximately 6.75 inches (e.g., from 20.25 inches to 27 inches) and increases the tilt angle of the furniture member 500 by approximately nine degrees (e.g., from 12.25 degrees to 21.25 degrees).

The additional range of motion provided by rotating the legs 542, 544 to the "zero gravity tilt" position shown in Figure 25 may be particularly comfortable for many users because the user's feet (resting on the extended footrest 516) will be positioned at or near the vertical level of the user's heart (i.e., the vertical distance from the ground 584). This "zero gravity" positioning of the user's body in the furniture component 500 promotes rest and relaxation.

The additional range of motion provided by mechanism 530 relative to mechanism 30 also results in a significant increase in the seat height of the furniture component 500 in the fully raised position relative to the aforementioned chair 10. A comparison of Figures 16 and 27 shows that, for the exemplary embodiments of chair 10 and furniture component 500, providing mechanism 530 with rotatable legs 542, 544 increases the seat height of the furniture component 500 by approximately 3.25 inches (e.g., from 21.75 inches to 24 inches).

27 provides additional lift to a user seated in the furniture member 500 when moving toward a standing position, thereby reducing the effort and strength required by the user to stand up and exit the furniture member 500. This may be particularly beneficial for elderly or physically disabled users.

The furniture component 500 may also include, for example, a structure that tilts the back frame 514 rearwardly about 5 degrees relative to the seat frame 182 and the frame member 515 when the furniture component 500 is in the raised position, which prevents undesirable pressure on the occupant's head and/or shoulders when the occupant stands up and leaves the furniture component 500 to reach a standing position. A comparison of Figures 22 and 27 illustrates this five-degree tilt of the back frame 514 (Figure 22 shows the angle X between the back frame 514 and the frame member 515 when in the nominal position, and Figure 27 shows the angle X+5 degrees when in the raised position).

As shown in FIG. 27 , pivot bracket 586 is connected to tube assembly 188, back frame 514, and seat frame 182 (via swing assembly 184). A pair of sliding brackets 588 are attached to seat frame 182. Sliding bracket 588 includes a slot 590 that slidably receives shaft 172. When furniture component 500 is moved to the raised position, the weight of seat frame 182 (and the rest of the seat bottom assembly supported by seat frame 182) causes seat frame 182 and sliding bracket 588 (and the rest of the seat bottom assembly) to slide forward relative to shaft 172. This results in relative rotation between seat frame 182 and back frame 514, causing back frame 514 to tilt rearward approximately five degrees. The interface between pivot bracket 586, sliding bracket 588, and shaft 172 allows the weight of the seat back, seat bottom, and mechanism 530 to balance to determine the amount of seat back tilt in the raised position. Thus, in some embodiments, the seat back can tilt by an amount greater or less than five degrees in the raised position.

Although the mechanisms 530 , 534 are described above as powered mechanisms driven by the motors 76 , 164 , in some constructions, either or both of the mechanisms 530 , 534 may be manual (ie, non-motor driven) mechanisms.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be exhaustive and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods are set forth to provide a detailed understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed and that the example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and neither should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific example embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms. The terms "comprise", "include" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and/or their groups. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or described, unless the execution order is specifically identified. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms "first", "second", "third" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or parts should not be limited to these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. When used in this article, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

Spatially relative terms such as "in," "out," "below," "beneath," "below," "above," "on," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element or one feature to another feature, as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (31)

1. A furniture component comprising: A frame assembly including a chair section movable relative to a base between a rated position, a tilted position, and a raised position; and The motor is attached to the base; A sliding member, which is connected to the motor and can be displaced relative to the base in a first direction and a second direction by selective operation of the motor; A first lever, connected to the sliding member and the chair portion, moves the chair portion between the rated position, the tilted position, and the raised position in response to operation of the motor; A shaft that is rotatably mounted to the base; A first leg member and a second leg member are respectively connected to a first end and a second end of the shaft, each of the first leg member and the second leg member including a front leg and a rear leg; and A second rod, which is connected to the chair and slidably connected to the shaft, rotates the shaft in a first direction in response to the chair moving to the tilted position, and rotates the shaft in a second direction in response to the chair moving to the raised position. 2. The furniture component of claim 1, wherein the front feet of the first leg component and the second leg component extend through the base in the inclined position, such that the rear portion of the base and the front feet of the first leg component and the second leg component support the weight of the furniture component, and the front portion of the base is spaced apart from the ground on which the furniture component is located. 3. The furniture component of claim 2, wherein the rear legs of the first leg component and the second leg component extend through the base in the raised position, such that the front portion of the base and the rear legs of the first leg component and the second leg component support the weight of the furniture component, and the rear portion of the base is spaced apart from the ground. 4. The furniture component according to claim 3, wherein the first leg component and the second leg component are generally U-shaped components. 5. The furniture component of claim 4, wherein the base includes a plurality of holes through which the front and rear legs of the first and second leg components extend. 6. The furniture component of claim 2, wherein the rear legs of the first leg member and the second leg member extend through the base in the raised position, such that the front portion of the base and the rear legs of the first leg member and the second leg member support the weight of the furniture component, and the rear portion of the base is spaced apart from the ground on which the furniture component is located. 7. The furniture component of claim 1, further comprising a foot rest mechanism, including a foot rest link and a foot rest member movable between an extended position and a retracted position independently of the movement of the first rod and the second rod. 8. The furniture component of claim 7, wherein the foot rest mechanism includes a foot rest motor that is drivably engaged with the foot rest link. 9. The furniture component according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing seat fixedly mounted to the base. 10. The furniture component according to claim 9, wherein the first leg component and the second leg component are fixedly attached to the shaft by a first bracket and a second bracket, respectively. 11. The furniture component of claim 1, wherein the second rod includes an elongated groove for slidably receiving a stud fixedly attached to the shaft. 12. The furniture component of claim 11, wherein the sliding member connected to the first rod has a longer range of motion than the long groove, such that the stud slides along the long groove of the second rod only within a portion of the range of motion of the sliding member. 13. The furniture component of claim 12, wherein the sliding member continues to move in a rearward direction, causing its position to exceed the position corresponding to the initial contact between the stud and the front end of the long slot, thereby causing the shaft and the first leg member and the second leg member to rotate relative to the base in a first rotational direction. 14. The furniture component of claim 13, wherein the sliding member continues to move in a forward direction, causing its position to exceed the position corresponding to the initial contact between the rear end of the stud and the elongated groove, thereby causing the shaft and the first leg member and the second leg member to rotate relative to the base in a second rotational direction. 15. The furniture component of claim 1, wherein when the chair part moves from the rated position to the raised position, the angle between the backrest of the chair part and the bottom of the seat of the chair part increases by a predetermined amount. 16. The furniture component according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined amount is five degrees. 17. A furniture component comprising: Base components including the front and rear ends; A chair frame that can move relative to the base member between a rated position, an inclined position, and a raised position; A mechanism for moving the chair frame relative to the base member between the rated, tilted, and raised positions; and Each has a first leg member and a second leg member movably mounted to the front and rear legs of the base member, such that the front leg extends through the base member in the inclined position, and the rear leg extends through the base member in the raised position. The front and rear ends of the base support the weight of the furniture component in the rated position, the front leg and the rear end support the weight in the inclined position, and the rear leg and the front end support the weight in the raised position. 18. The furniture component of claim 17, wherein the mechanism includes a motor attached to the base component, a sliding member connected to the motor, and a first rod connected to the sliding member and the chair frame. 19. The furniture component according to claim 18, further comprising: A shaft rotatably mounted to the base member; and A second rod, which is connected to the chair frame and slidably connected to the shaft, rotates the shaft in a first direction in response to the chair frame moving to the tilted position, and rotates the shaft in a second direction in response to the chair frame moving to the raised position. 20. The furniture component of claim 19, wherein the second rod includes an elongated groove that slidably receives a stud fixedly attached to the shaft. 21. The furniture component of claim 20, wherein the sliding member connected to the first rod has a longer range of motion than the elongated groove, such that the stud slides along the elongated groove of the second rod only within a portion of the range of motion of the sliding member. 22. The furniture component of claim 21, wherein the sliding member continues to move in a rearward direction, causing its position to exceed the position corresponding to the initial contact between the stud and the front end of the long slot, thereby causing the shaft and the first leg member and the second leg member to rotate relative to the base in a first rotational direction. 23. The furniture component of claim 22, wherein the sliding member continues to move in a forward direction, causing its position to exceed the position corresponding to the initial contact between the rear ends of the stud and the elongated groove, thereby causing the shaft and the first leg member and the second leg member to rotate relative to the base member in a second rotational direction. 24. The furniture component of claim 23, wherein the shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing seat fixedly mounted to the base component. 25. The furniture component of claim 24, wherein the first leg component and the second leg component are fixedly attached to the shaft by a first bracket and a second bracket, respectively. 26. The furniture component of claim 17, wherein the base component includes a plurality of holes through which the front and rear legs of the first and second leg components extend. 27. The furniture component of claim 17, further comprising a footrest mechanism including a footrest link and a footrest member movable between an extended position and a retracted position independently of the movement of the first leg member and the second leg member. 28. The furniture component of claim 27, wherein the foot rest mechanism includes a foot rest motor that is drivably engaged with the foot rest link. 29. The furniture component according to claim 17, wherein the first leg component and the second leg component are generally U-shaped components. 30. The furniture component of claim 17, wherein when the chair frame moves from the rated position to the raised position, the angle between the backrest of the chair frame and the bottom of the seat of the chair frame increases by a predetermined amount. 31. The furniture component according to claim 30, wherein the predetermined amount is five degrees.